Federico Moreno-Torroba

Federico Moreno Torroba (1891-1982) was a Spanish composer, born in Madrid.

Biography

Moreno Torroba is often associated with the zarzuela, a traditional Spanish musical form. Directing several opera companies, Moreno Torroba helped introduce the zarzuela to international audiences. However, he is probably best known for his compositions for the classical guitar.

Works

In addition to his conducting duties, he composed many works, both in the traditional Spanish form and for the concert hall. He achieved his greatest success in the 1930s with the zarzuelas Luisa Fernanda (1932) and La Chulapona (1934). He also composed several operas, of which La Virgen de Mayo (1925) and El Poeta (1980, with Plácido Domingo in the title role) are his best known.

Partial List of works

La Marchenera

FOR GUITAR: ***Please keep in mind that the original Torroba guitar pieces are still kept under lock and key at the Segovia estate. As a result, the editions (all fingered/edited by Segovia) may not truly reflect the original work. Segovia was known to change the original music as well as attach names of other composers to particular pieces that he discovered.***

Aires de La Mancha

Burgalesa

Castillos de España (Sigüenza, Manzanares el Real, Alba de Tormes, Montemayor, Alcañíz, Javier, Torija, Simancas, Zafra, Turégano, Rebada, Alcázar de Segovia, Olite, Calatrava)

Estampas (for guitar quartet)

Madroños

Nocturno

Piezas características (Preámbulo, Oliveras, Melodía, Albada, Los Mayos, Panorama)

Puertas de Madrid (Puerta de San Vicente, Puerta de Moros, Puerta de Toledo, Puerta de Alcalá, Puerta del Ángel, Puerta Cerrada, Puerta de Hierro)

Rafagas (for guitar quartet)

Serenata Burlesca

Siete Piezas de Álbum (Chisperada, Rumor de Copla, Minueto del Majo, ¡Ay, Malagueña!, Aire Vasco, Segoviana, Bolero Menorquín)

Sonata-Fantasía

Sonatina in A

Sonatina y variación (which is not the same piece as the Sonatina listed above)

Suite castellana (Fandanguillo, Arada, Danza)

Suite miniatura (Llamada, Tremolo, Vals, Divertimento)

Bibliography